MAX3238ECDBR

Overview

The MAX3238ECDBR is a multichannel RS-232 line driver and receiver manufactured by Texas Instruments. It operates from a single 3-V to 5.5-V power supply and features five drivers and three receivers for full-duplex communication. The device supports data rates up to 1 Mb/s and includes an integrated charge pump requiring only external 0.1-uF capacitors. It provides ±15-kV electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection on all RS-232 lines per human body model standards. The component is housed in a 28-pin SSOP package and is rated for operation over the extended industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Feature Summary

• Multichannel architecture with five independent drivers and three receivers
• Integrated charge pump eliminates need for external inductors or multiple voltage supplies
• Robust ±15-kV ESD protection on all signal lines
• Low standby current enabled by dedicated shutdown mode

Applications

• Industrial serial communication systems
• Portable instrumentation equipment
• Modem and fax machine interfaces
• Point-of-sale terminals

Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'E' indicates the extended temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C) and 'C' denotes commercial-grade performance thresholds where applicable, as defined by Texas Instruments documentation. Confirm the 'DBR' suffix corresponds to the SSOP-28 tape-and-reel packaging format. Ensure compliance with RoHS directives matches the manufacturing date code requirements for your assembly process.

Selection Notes

Select this component when designing systems requiring multiple RS-232 channels within a compact footprint. It is suitable for applications needing high-speed data transfer up to 1 Mb/s while maintaining low power consumption. Consider the 28-pin SSOP package constraints for PCB layout. Verify that the system environment falls within the specified operating temperature range and voltage limits before finalizing the design.

Part Context

This part belongs to the MAX3238 family of multichannel RS-232 transceivers. It shares functional similarities with the SN65C3238 series but may differ in specific electrical characteristics and pinout configurations. The MAX3238ECDBR represents the industry-standard version optimized for broader environmental conditions compared to standard commercial variants.

Replacement Considerations

The SN65C3238DBR is a pin-compatible alternative from Texas Instruments. Verify if the SN65 variant meets the specific voltage and speed requirements of the original design. Other compatible parts include the MAX3238IDB for different packaging options.